For almost two centuries, both Britain and Argentina have claimed the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. The islands have predominantly been under British control, with a brief interruption during the Argentine invasion in 1982. Recently, reports have indicated that President Trump is reassessing the United States’ recognition of Britain’s claim in favor of Argentine President Javier Milei, as a form of punishment for Britain’s lack of involvement in the Iran war. However, what legitimacy does Argentina have in its claim to the islands?

The Falklands were first colonized by the British and French empires long before the Spanish empire, which founded Argentina, forcibly took control of the islands. Even when Argentina temporarily regained sovereignty over the islands, it did not significantly develop or settle them. In contrast, since the British reconquest in 1833, settlers have established the islands’ largest city, Port Stanley, and have made the settlement economically viable through sheep farming. Additionally, in a 2013 referendum, nearly all Falklanders voted to remain under British control, making it improbable that they would willingly relinquish the islands anytime soon. And given Argentina’s current economic struggles under Milei’s administration, perhaps he has more pressing issues to tackle than reconquering the cloudy, rainy islands.